Safe & Sound

His breath catches in his chest, and a knot twists in the space he swears his heart is. She remarks he had never given up on her, it was true, he hadn't, he couldn't.

She lifted herself and he jumped to bring them closer together, not letting her wobble and stand too fast. Suddenly, they were nose to nose. Breath to breath. Her petite stature held against his larger frame.

"I love you, Eltrys. I am so grateful that you have always seemed to find me when I lost myself and helped to build me up when I wasn’t strong enough. You are an amazing man and I would like walk with you on whatever path the future holds… together.”

He didn't know if it was his heart or hers he could feel in his chest hammering and unraveling. With a delirious half laugh, half sigh, he clasped his lips to hers. Relief floods the fabric of his sinew as he holds her and kisses her desperately.

Gasping he released their kiss and placed her under his throat as he swallowed and looked up at the den ceiling in silent praise to whatever gods or elements were still listening. His breath shuddered against her.

"Haydee... I love you too." He whispered earnestly into her ear. Swaying them both gently side to side.